Cygnus Astro vs Askar Astro Controller
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Cygnus Astro
Control your astrophotography equipment remotely from your mobile device. This app provides a touch-friendly interface to connect, monitor, and manage your N.I.N.A. software and connected gear, simplifying your setup in the field.
- Remote equipment control
- N.I.N.A. software integration
- Mobile touch interface
- Real-time exposure preview
- Open-source and free
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Cygnus Astro Get ready to do astrophotography from your mobile phone! Cygnus Astro enables astrophotographers to use a mobile touch-friendly interface to control their equipment from N.I.N.A. software. No matter if you have a laptop, or a mini PC, you can replace that complex UI with a mobile app. When in the field, you're able to connect, monitor, and control all your astrophotography equipment without worrying about a desktop interface. Turn your PC on, and forget about it! Key features: - Connect your equipment (mount, camera, electronic focuser, etc.) using a simple button - Launch and monitor your advance sequence - Perform your Three-Point Polar Alignment without having to hold your laptop - Preview your exposures in real-time - Fully open-source. This app is, and will aways be free Cygnus Astro uses N.I.N.A. PC software and the N.I.N.A. Advanced API plugin to communicate with your PC. This app is not a replacement for N.I.N.A. or your PC.
Askar Astro Controller
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As the core companion for the Askar WAF, the Askar APP offers a high-precision focusing solution for both visual astronomy and deep-sky imaging. Paired with the Askar APP, the WAF offers accurate, responsive focusing with fine step control and instant stop. Travel and step size are independently adjustable – focus in one tap. The APP offers flexible device management – rename and group your devices with ease. Step parameters and travel reverse are also adjustable, so you can tailor the focusing experience to your own workflow. The APP is currently fully optimized for the WAF. Our development team will continue to release regular updates, gradually introducing support for filter wheels, rotators, and other smart astronomy devices. By continuously expanding device compatibility, the APP aims to deliver integrated, intelligent control over a full range of astronomy accessories, providing users with a more comprehensive and efficient solution for smart astrophotography.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Askar Astro Controller at daily against Cygnus Astro's every 5 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Cygnus Astro ships an update every 5 days, Askar Astro Controller daily. The most recent releases landed on June 4, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Cygnus Astro | Askar Astro Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 32 MB | 106 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Christopher Ventura | Jiaxing Ruixing Optical Instrument Co., Ltd. |
In-app purchases
Cygnus Astro
No in-app purchases
Askar Astro Controller
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Cygnus Astro free?
Is Askar Astro Controller free?
Do Cygnus Astro or Askar Astro Controller have ads?
Which is updated more often, Cygnus Astro or Askar Astro Controller?
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